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Apr 23, 2017

I think you know that this semester I've been taking two classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Draping IV (I skipped III but will probably take it the next time it's offered) and menswear patternmaking.
The draping class is very loose, meaning there are just a few things the professor is required to cover -- namely draping knits and doing a rub-off (i.e., copying a RTW garment) -- the rest of the time we work on our final projects at our own pace, and if we need assistance, the professor is there to help. The final (term) project must be completed by May 20th, which still seems far away. It's supposed to be a dress and a jacket we've draped ourselves or rubbed off from RTW (ready-to-wear). It can be woven or knit, any style, any fabric.

Frankly, I wish the assignment had been more specific: when you can make basically anything it's hard to decide what to make!

A recent pleated bodice experiment.

I've been playing around with pleats (above) and various designs from the book, Draping for Apparel Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong. We don't have an assigned textbook in this class, but I own this particular book and I find it useful. Yesterday I worked on a bodice with a twist and radiating pleats; I simply followed the directions in the book, with good results (below):

I truly love draping as I enjoy letting the fabric guide me, rather than working from a sketch or a paper pattern, both of which, naturally, have their place. As you know, I didn't start draping till last year.

I'm getting a lot out of both classes and they're keeping me quite busy. It's fun to be in school: I'm inspired by my fellow students and the general atmosphere.

In other news, I picked up these Dickie's coveralls on Amazon recently and they fit so well (after shortening them 4") that I've decided to make them my home sewing uniform. No need to worry about wearing out the knees of my denim jeans (since I do most of my pattern drafting and fabric cutting on the floor), or getting carbon, chalk, or colored pencil on my clothes. At less than $30 USD, I think these are a bargain. (I sew most of my clothing but no longer feel the need to sew everything, which was the way I used to feel.)

And that's it, friends.

Anybody out there have a special uniform for sewing? If so, what is it?

30 comments:

I have a sewing apron. I made it from a vintage 60s simplicity pattern (6808). It's a half apron, and I added a few more stitching lines to make special-sized pockets for my shears, seam gauge, marking pens, etc. I even left one pocket big when I realized it was the perfect size to stash my current project's instructions in it. It's great because any loose threads or trimmed seam allowances fall on it, instead of my pants, so I don't have to use my lint roller so much anymore. But I will admit that I do forget about it a lot - I'm just too eager to get sewing to put it on! My intentions were good though - I think your uniform will work really well for you.

The sewing uniform is probably a good idea. It reinforces good intentions and helps you concentrate. I was looking at the beautiful gown (1930s?) in the Morris book and I couldn't help wondering why we have given up elegance in favor of flipflops and denim rags. Let's all put on our uniforms and sew something wonderful!

Your sewing suit reminds me of how in Little Women, Jo had a "scribbling suit" for writing. It was comfy, easily mobile, she could tuck her hair into the hat, and it was dark so she could wipe her pen on it if needed. :P

My mom gave me an old raw silk dress she made many years ago. I wear it sometimes when it's time to get serious about -- whatever it is I want to do that day. I didn't even notice I did it until my roommate commented that I'd put my "serious dress" on, and that she would just get out of my way :D

I am fascinated by twists. I cannot work out how to do them . I am wondering if you could take us through the steps that you used to get the centre twisted bodice . I know there are lots of different types of twists. I have done a year of flat pattern making and while by no means an expert I can usually get there with a few muslins but twists I dont know where to start . I am very impressed !!

Regarding learning to do rub-offs, there was an article in Threads magazine not terribly long ago on copying one's perfect fitting jeans using the rub-off method. Back issues are sometimes available from the publisher. I tried but was not immediately able to put my hand on the exact issue number.

Kenneth King's Craftsy class Jeanius is a great tutorial on doing a rub-off for jeans and you could easily adapt the process to any garment. I think he said that he developed it to help save some vintage Hollywood gowns.-Ellie

I loved reading this post and replies. I have just started sewing again after retiring. I read sewing post looking for updated tips and a sewing apron or uniform is one I would never have thought of on my own. Thank you! My tools are usually all over the table and I have to move them (or look for them) all the time. I'm going to get started on that apron right away.

I love your designs, especially the pleated bodice in the top photo! My sewing uniform is yoga pants and a comfy top so I can kneel, bend, and try on my garment as needed. But I'm a stay at home mom so that's my uniform every day :)

If you are going to crawl around on a hard floor on your knees, you might want to get some knee pads. Available any construction supply house, Home Depot, Lowes, most hardware stores, DIY flooring stores. A quick check at Home Depot shows prices $2.88 to $53.00. http://www.homedepot.com/s/knee%2520pads?NCNI-5

hi Peter,your blog is more than interesting and I found it by chance looking for a japanese shirtmaking book.I love sewing, particularly shirts for the men of my family.I read your posts about stright stitch vintage machines, do you think a modern straight stitch machine ( the juki TL 2200 mini for ex) can sew the same perfect stitch as your Pfaff 30 does? Sorry for being off topic... but thanks in advance.elide

a boy, a dream, and 10+ sewing machines

I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!